Is Cadmium Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Cadmium is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).
INCI name Cadmium. CAS 7440-43-9.
Is Cadmium banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | pigmented makeup (contaminant) |
| CAS number | 7440-43-9 |
What is Cadmium?
Cadmium (Cadmium) is a toxic heavy metal contaminant.
Why is Cadmium used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Cadmium dangerous? Documented risks
A carcinogen and kidney toxin; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Cadmium
- pigmented makeup (contaminant)
How to avoid Cadmium: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Cadmium
Is Cadmium banned in the EU?
Cadmium is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Cadmium in US cosmetics?
Yes — Cadmium can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Cadmium?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Cadmium automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Cadmium?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Cadmium.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Cadmium or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related heavy metals
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.